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Upsizing - Now is the Time in Montgomery, AL

Wednesday, February 21, 2018
by The Hat Team

We hear a lot about people downsizing and simplifying, but if you are looking for a larger home, now is a great time to sell your smaller home and move up to something that better suits your wants and needs.  Perhaps you have a growing family and need more space, or an additional income-earner has joined your household or maybe you have enough equity in your current home that you can now afford your dream home. Whatever the reason, movin’ on up is an exciting prospect!

Ok, now let’s contain that excitement a bit and think about what it means to purchase a more expensive house.  First, just because you can afford something on paper, doesn’t mean you should commit all your resources to the most expensive property on your radar.  It would behoove you to take a thorough look at your current budget and then play with the numbers a bit to determine how much more you’re willing to spend each month on a higher mortgage payment.  A dream house is wonderful, but being house-poor is not.  Think about your lifestyle and don’t make the mistake of getting into a financial bind that doesn’t allow you to do the activities you enjoy.

When financing your new home, you have a couple of options.  If you haven’t sold your current home yet, you can choose a home equity loan or a bridge loan to make the down payment on the new home.  A home equity loan allows you to borrow against your current home’s equity and is usually less expensive than other loans.  A bridge loan is a short-term loan that is used until you can obtain permanent financing.  Because they are short term, the interest rates on them will be relatively high.

Before you put your house on the market and commit to purchasing a new one, educate yourself about the prices of houses in the areas where you will be selling and buying. Whether it’s a buyer’s market or a seller’s market, a professional Realtor will be able to assist you in navigating the process.  The goal is to sell high and buy low, and in today’s market that is an achievable dream!

YOUR HOME SEARCH STARTS HERE           FIND OUT WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH

Photo Credit: wmaproperty.com

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Valentine's Day Wishes!

Wednesday, February 14, 2018
by The Hat Team

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.   

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What Inspires Love at First Sight for Home Buyers

Tuesday, February 13, 2018
by The Hat Team

Perhaps you have imagined your dream house.  You’ve pictured it in your mind and can only hope that you can find it in real life.  Some buyers have to look for a long time before finding the home of their dreams, but others know right away. When reality matches the vision you have for your home, you might fall in love at first sight. Here are some things that make buyers know they had found “the one” the moment they see it:

  • A gorgeous front porch. Nothing says “welcome home” better than a beautifully appointed front porch.  A creative front door with porch railings painted a complementary color are a great way to draw a potential buyer into a home. That first look can make or break the interest of buyers.
  • Standing out among the crowd.  That neighborhood full of “cookie cutter” houses may be the right area for you, but you don’t want your house to look like everyone else’s.  A home that stands out is the one for you.  For example, maybe that one white brick house in a sea of red brick houses is just different enough to make it the right one for you.
  • Layout. Open concept has been popular for a long time, but maybe your dream house affords more privacy.  When you walk into a home that has defined rooms that serve specific purposes, you have found what you have envisioned as the perfect home for you.
  • The great outdoors.  Perhaps the inside doesn’t matter quite as much as the outside to you.  Despite the imperfections in the house itself, that huge, beautiful yard is all you ever wanted.
  • Good bones.  If your dream house is one that you design yourself, then you might just fall in love with a fixer upper that has good bones.  Just make sure to educate yourself about what it will take to make the vision you have for your home a reality.

There are many things that can make a buyer fall in love with a house at first sight. A professional Realtor like Sandra Nickel can help guide you through the process of finding and purchasing your dream home.  Give her a call at 334-834 1500 let The Hat Team of Realtors help you today!

YOUR HOME SEARCH STARTS HERE            FIND OUT WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH  

Photo Credit: East Bay Homeless

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1503 S Hull St, Montgomery AL 36104 - Charming Garden District Bungalow

Monday, February 12, 2018
by The Hat Team

1503 S Hull St, Montgomery AL 36104

MLS# 428393

3 bedrooms | 1 bath | 1,514 square feet | Garden District

This classic Garden District bungalow just needs a little TLC to become a dream home. Situated on a corner lot, across from the beautiful Episcopal Church of the Ascension, this home offers a unique front porch to enjoy the views of the church and bell tower. Home has hardwood floors, spacious rooms, arches and transoms, and a cool vintage double-drain-board porcelain sink in the kitchen. You will love the many heirloom shrubs and flowering trees in the front and back yards. Conveniently located in Midtown Montgomery, this home has great bones, a 1-yr old roof, and tons of charm!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

1503 S Hull St

 

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221 Bowen Bend, Wetumpka AL 36093 - Spacious Home in Desirable Mitchell Creek Estates!

Thursday, February 8, 2018
by The Hat Team

221 Bowen Bend, Wetumpka AL 36093 - Spacious Home in Desirable Mitchell Creek Estates!

MLS# 426987

4 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,634 Square Feet | Mitchell Creek Estates

Welcome to desirable Mitchell Creek Estates! Nestled in the curve on a quiet street you will find this lovely 4-bedroom, 2 bath brick home in pristine condition in REDLAND ELEMENTARY school district. The spacious great room has beautiful hard wood floors and a wood burning fireplace. The recently updated kitchen has beautiful granite, designer back splash, breakfast bar and side by side refrigerator. The best part might be the outdoor living space with screened porch, deck, huge flat yard, and the 27-foot diameter above ground chemical free ionized POOL that is easy to maintain and care for. Perfect for parties for the kids, entertaining friends or just relaxing after work. Plenty of storage in attached carport and detached storage building. Just minutes away from East Montgomery, I-85 and qualifies for the USDA loan program.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Layfield, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

221 Bowen Bend Wetumpka AL

 

 

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1323 S Court St, Montgomery AL 36104 - Beautiful Bungalow in Historic Garden District

Wednesday, February 7, 2018
by The Hat Team

1323 S Court St, Montgomery AL 36104 - Beautiful Bungalow in Historic Garden District

MLS# 428305

2 bedrooms | 1 bath | 1 half-bath | 2,210 square feet | Garden District/Cloverdale

Located just one block from the AL Governor’s Mansion in Midtown Montgomery, the charm and character of this 1920's home is sure to impress! Brick arched front porch welcomes you into spacious living spaces. Large living room boasts period lighting, high ceilings, fireplace, and beautiful dentil molding. Bright sun room off the living room makes a great multi-purpose space and could serve as a third bedroom if needed. Big family style kitchen has plenty of cabinets and counter space. Main bath has wonderful original porcelain tub, updated vanity and a separate walk-in shower. Rear entry area is perfect mudroom/utility room and has one of the coolest service sinks you will ever see. Back yard is plenty big and has a driveway off the side street, Linden, and a detached one car carport. Priced right and just waiting for a new owner. Current zoning also will allow for this home to be used as an office.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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Using a Gift as a Down Payment - What You Need to Know

Wednesday, February 7, 2018
by The Hat Team

Coming up with the money needed for a down payment on a house is not easy for many people.  Some are lucky enough to have someone (or several people) give them cash as a gift to go towards purchasing a home.  No doubt, that is a wonderful thing!  But there are guidelines that must be followed when using financial gifts for your down payment.

Using gifted funds to buy a home is not as simple as it sounds.  First, the money can’t come from just anyone.  Lenders want the money to come from a family member, such as a parent, grandparent or sibling.  You can also receive gifts from your spouse, domestic partner or significant other if you’re engaged to be married.

You may or may not be able to use gifted money for your entire down payment. It depends on the type of loan you are seeking.  If you are taking out a conventional loan, all your down payment can come from a gift, if you are putting down 20 percent or more.  If you are putting down less than 20 percent, you must include some money of your own.  With FHA and VA loans, the entire amount can be gifted unless your credit score is less than 620, in which case you will have to come up with 3.5 percent of the down payment yourself. No matter what type of loan you apply for, you can only use gifted funds to purchase a primary residence or a second home.

In addition to there being restrictions about who can give you money, you will also have to prove that the money is a gift.  You will need to provide a gift letter that includes the name of the donor, their relationship to you, the date and amount of the gift and a statement that says the money is given with no expectation of repayment.  Both you and the donor must sign the letter. 

While it’s not necessary, it is a good idea to have the gift in your bank account prior to applying for a loan. That way when your lender looks through your bank statements for the previous few months, they will already see documentation of the gift.

If someone has given you money to go toward a down payment, Sandra Nickel and her Hat Team of real estate professionals can help you find your dream house.  Give them a call today at 334-834-1500!

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Guide-for-First-Time-Home-Buyers-5-Steps-to-Get-You-Started

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Defeat-Debt-and-Become-a-Homeowner-in-2018

http://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com/Blog/Dont-Be-Deceived-by-Real-Estate-Myths

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Montgomery AL Home for Sale: 460 Caldwell PL, Montgomery AL 36109

Monday, February 5, 2018
by The Hat Team

Montgomery AL Home for Sale:

460 Caldwell Pl, Montgomery AL 36209

MLS# 428206

2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,501 square feet | Dalraida

This pristine patio home in desirable Dalraida is just what you have been looking for. Great for entertaining, it has a formal dining room, large kitchen with sunny breakfast nook AND a breakfast bar! Spacious living room has high ceilings and gas log fireplace, and plenty of wall space for furniture and art. Split plan has private guest bedroom and bath at the front of the house, and large master bedroom at the rear. Master bedroom has plenty of closet space, and newly installed French doors leading to private courtyard. Master bath has garden tub, separate walk-in shower, and double vanities! Out back, you will enjoy a covered patio, and storage galore with an attached storage room and a detached storage building! Private drive allows rear access to off-street parking. Roof was replaced about a year ago, so that is something you will not have to budget for, for many years to come! New laminate flooring throughout most of the house is great for allergy sufferers who can’t deal with carpet, and perfect for indoor pets! Call us or your favorite agent and don't miss out on this one!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

 

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Midtown Montgomery Home for Sale: 850 E Edgemont Ave, Montgomery AL 36111

Monday, January 29, 2018
by The Hat Team

Midtown Montgomery Home for Sale:

850 E Edgemont Ave, Montgomery AL 36111

MLS# 426935

4 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,846 square feet | Cloverdale

This lovely home is move-in ready with beautiful hard wood floors (no carpet!), two tiled fireplaces, all new light fixtures, cedar closets and smooth ceilings. The fabulous updated kitchen has granite counter tops, a large island and stainless appliances. Both bathrooms have been renovated with tiled showers. The large room off the dining room could be a great master bedroom or even a family room. Situated on a nice corner lot, there is a huge back yard and new deck. Conveniently located in Midtown Montgomery, it is walking distance to Cloverdale Bottom Park, restaurants and entertainment. Come see it today!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Layfield, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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Midtown Montgomery Home for Sale: 1536 Gilmer Ave, Montgomery AL 36104

Wednesday, January 24, 2018
by The Hat Team

Midtown Montgomery Home for Sale:

1536 Gilmer Ave, Montgomery AL 36104

MLS# 426842

5 bedrooms | 4 baths | 1 half bath | 3,780 square feet | Cloverdale

Conveniently located in Midtown Montgomery and situated on an estate lot in one of the most desirable blocks of the Garden District, this lovely home is looking for its next family to love and care for it. Just some of the special features include beautiful hardwood floors throughout, pretty crown moldings, two wood burning fireplaces with marble mantles and lots of built-ins. Downstairs room was converted into a master suite with large bath and huge walk-in closet, or master could be upstairs with a wonderful dressing room. Recent renovations have been made to three of the bathrooms as well as the kitchen and butler's pantry with wet bar. If you enjoy being outdoors, there is a wonderful covered porch, brick patio, storage barn and a gorgeous private yard with sprinkler system. Great house for entertaining, the kids will want to invite all their friends over to play. Come check it out today!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor Lauren Layfield, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

 

 

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